GORDON: "We Must Act Together and Act Now……’’

Mayor James ‘’Bong’’ Gordon, Jr. has ordered government officials and employees to spearhead the clean-up, restoration and preservation of the city’s river banks and beaches.

‘’Mahirap nating ipakilala sa mundo ang mga pangunahing tourist spots ng lungsod katulad ng mga beaches kapag ang mga ito ay marumi,’’ said Mayor Gordon during the city government officials and employees’ flag raising ceremony on June 8, 2009 at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center.

The City Executive also challenged residents to take part in the protection and preservation of waters so they could become a sustainable source of food and livelihood.

‘’Kung ang simpleng pag-lilinis ay hindi natin magawa, paano maniniwala ang mga bisita na seryoso tayo sa ating kampanyang higit pang palakasin ang negosyo at turismo ng Olongapo,’’ he added.

It can be recalled that Mayor Gordon joined President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in a foreign visit to South Korea and Russia on June 3 to 7, 2009. This has opened several windows of opportunities for the Philippines to attract tourists and investors to the country. "We must act together and act now para sa mas malinis na bayan,’’ he stressed.

Further, to ensure the protection of the city’s visible and viable resources, Mayor Gordon again directed City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) to inspect all commercial establishments and private homes along the banks of the river systems and waterways to determine whether they have wastewater treatment facilities or hygienic septic tanks as prescribed by existing laws, resolutions, rules and regulations.

Pao/rem